18 inspiring quotes from badass female Olympians

‘If you think you’re done, you always have at least 40 percent more’

We've all got caught up in Olympic fever this month. And while for most of us the 'taking part' simply involves flicking on the TV and watching the fencing as we tuck into a brownie or three, let's not forget the 11 000 men and women who are actually competing.

Of those 11 000 athletes, 4700 are women whose strength and dedication is something we'd all like a piece of in our day-to-day lives, such as boxer Nicola Adams, who decided she was going to win an Olympic gold medal at the age of 13.

Now the Rio 2016 Olympics are fully underway, get some inspiration from some Olympic wonder women - past and present.

'I was 13 when I decided I was going to win an Olympic gold medal.'

Nicola Adams, British boxer

'I was 12 when I started and 34 before I achieved my dream. That should give people hope.'

Kelly Holmes, British Athlete

'Hard days are the best because that's when champions are made.' Gabby Douglas, US athlete

‘The water doesn’t know your age.’

Dara Torres, US swimmer

‘I don't run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.'

Nadia Comăneci, Romanian gymnast

'The world never puts a price on you higher than the one you put on yourself.'

Sonja Henie, Norwegian figure skater

'I am building a fire, and everyday I train I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match.’ Mia Hamm, US footballer

'The only one who can tell you "you can't win" is you and you don't have to listen.'

Jessica Ennis, British athlete

‘If you think you’re done, you always have at least 40 percent more.’ Lauren Crandall, American field hockey player

'A person's view of you is not important. What is important is your view of yourself.'

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Jamaican athlete

‘I love people doubting me. I’m more motivated by proving people wrong than fulfilling everyone’s expectations.’ Ronda Rousey, US mixed martial artist

‘I want to make all the refugees proud of me. It would show that even if we had a tough journey, we can achieve something.’ Yusra Mardini, Syrian swimmer

'Yes I'm a girly girl and yes I love sport. Time to show us girls can do both.' Amber Hill - British Shooter

'The integral part of being a star is having the will to win. All the champions have it.' Betty Cuthbert, Australian athlete

‘I want to do something special, that is historic and unforgettable.’ Tirunesh Dibaba, Ethiopian athlete

'If you dream and you allow yourself to dream you can do anything. And that's what this Olympic medal represents.' Clara Hughes, Canadian Speed Skater

'I'm really exciting. I smile a lot, I win a lot, and I'm really sexy.' Serena Williams, American tennis player

And sometimes you’ve just got to know how to reward yourself post-success... 'I just want to have a cheeseburger.'

Sally Pearson, Australian athlete